Today I mourn.
After much prayer and last steps to provide additional medical care, my dear grandmother, Prince Ella Silas, at the age of 97 passed away on Sunday, April 11, 2010.
After a high time of church services, refreshed and empowered by God's Word and the songs of the psalmists, I left church to be hit with numerous calls from family that she had passed away.
I went numb.
I couldn't cry because I was pumped with the joy of the Lord.
I went into shock.
I went into automatic pilot.
I called my boss to let him know that I would be late getting into work due to her death. He was kind.
I called his boss. I won't express here what I received from his interpretation.
I called two dear sisters in Christ - they both encouraged me to rest. Good advice.
I went to a favorite restaurant; had a Reuben sandwich; worked on a work project.
I went home and pulled out the pictures I was saving for the Obituary I had planned to create (Still not done).
I rejoiced that the Lord had so filled me with His Word and His preparation that I did not fall out.
Two Days Later: I screamed......and I screamed...and I screamed....and decided:
It's Mourning Time......
It's my time to do the "grief work" that I talk about. To rest, to remember, to forgive, to be angry, to mourn, to grieve, to scream, to shout, to cry, to laugh and to rest in the loving care of my heavenly Father.
I was also given wise counsel:
The elder friend told me to: Rest, get some sleep, ask Jesus to help me sleep and to check my car out before getting on the road; also to make a list of things to pack; and to know that she loves me. She also reminded me to use the name of Jesus.
An elder in the church told me: to guard my heart from insensitive comments; stupid remarks and the devil raising his head in the family (he reminded me that the devil always use one person to act like the devil). He also told me that he and the church family were praying for me and to use my spiritual authority.
I worked two days and decided, "It's mourning time". I took 61 hours of leave time thanks to the State Benefits package. I don't feel a bit of remorse, guilt, regret or angst. What's the point of working if you can't use the benefits? The salary is one part; the leave time is the other. The world definitely does not evolve around me. And I don't want it too! I have asked the Lord to restrain me from checking work email. There is a TIME TO BE SILENT AS WELL AS A TIME TO MOURN!!
I am hiding in the refuge of God. Reading the material I have sent out to so many others. I am giving myself permission to grieve, mourn and have time to do so. I am going to enjoy this time as an opportunity to get closer to the Lord.
God makes no mistakes. There is no coincidence if you are in Jesus.
I'm looking for the Rapture in response to my grandmother leaving this world.
Are you Ready? Get Ready, then......This life is passing by...the greatest miracle Jesus gave us is Salvation and the loss of the fear of death! Hallelujah. If we are found in Him; we cry, scream and mourn - that the human. But the spirit rejoices!
I'm going to Heaven, what about you?
Goodbye Momma Ella. I love you. I forgive you. I miss you. I remember you.
It's mourning time.....but my total joy will come......
Love you all...
God will turn the bitter experiences of our lives to pleasant testimonies of His comfort
A Scripture Verse
Jesus said, "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted", Matthew 5:5, King James Version (Cambridge Edition)
About Our Ministry
Naomi’s Ministry is Christian blog designed to provide encouragement, strength and prayer to individuals who are experiencing loss, grief and recovering from traumatic experiences.
This blog site is to encourage, pray and support persons experiencing a wide range of losses that anyone of us may experience in our lifetime. The parting of a special loved one by death; divorce; the loss of job and financial security; the loss of limb(s) or debilitating illness or disease; the loss of a home or opportunity, are all "losses" and at varying degrees, may catapult you into a grieving cycle or traumatic event. However, we may not be on the road to recovery, if the right resources are not available to give us perspective on our feelings and the changes that happens in one’s life when a loss of any kind occurs. We need courage to grieve and to wait before God for the healing that comes, sometimes, one day at a time.
This is "first" a ministry of encouragement:
Know that what you are going through is normal for anyone who has experienced what you have experienced. Knowing how to go through the process, recognizing when you are grieving and seeking the help you may need will aid in the recovery process.
Know that it is okay that you are hurting. No explanations are needed. Admitting that is a first step toward your recovery. Recovery does not mean that you will forget the one or object of your loss. This also does not mean you will not forget the trauma of your victimization. Emotional healing will allow you to live authentically, freely, victoriously in spite of the event. God wants you to have His Victory through His Son, Jesus Christ who won it on the Cross of Calvary for you and I.
Know that you are not alone. Jesus Christ promised never to leave us or forsake us (The book of Hebrews, chapter 13, verse 5). This promise found in the Holy Scriptures is a promise from the Lord Himself that He is always with us, even during our darkest nights. Jesus also said, “I will not leave you comfortless” (The book of the Gospel of John, chapter 14, verse 18).
Know that “The Comforter will come” (The book of the Gospel of John, chapter 16, verse 7). The Comforter that Jesus Christ is referencing is God the Holy Spirit, (part of the triune Godhead). As you call out to God in faith during this time of tremendous emotional and sometimes physical pain, the Lord will send His Spirit to minister to your mind, body, soul and spirit. He alone can heal the hurts of loss, grief and trauma. The Holy Spirit will wipe away "your tears". Jesus "is willing" to heal you if you but ask and trust Him in the process of recovery.
Know one day you will be able to smile again. The sun will shine in your heart again. You will laugh again. You will have more good days to come. The Lord knows the thoughts and plans he has for us (Jeremiah 29:11), even if you cannot see it in the midst of this defining moment. If you will trust the Lord’s plans for you, you will come through this season, whole and able to continue on in your life’s journey.
Search out a safe and Word-filled church home or fellowship, counselor/support group. God’s Word is the answer. Read Psalms 34, 41, 42, 91, 103, 107, 112, 119, 121, 123, 140, 145. Depending on our needs, we may also need some assistance beyond what a blog, book or cards offer. Professional help is available. Pray and ask the Lord to direct you to a place of healing and confidentiality. Check out the resources at your church or another Christ-centered congregation. Please do not grieve alone.
The time for recovery is NOW. Just like you would go to the hospital’s emergency room if you were physically in need of medical treatment, so during high levels of emotional crisis, you should not wait to seek help or assistance. DON’T WAIT TO GET HELP. This is the time to admit that you are hurting and it is okay.
Keep talking to God the Father, the Father of ALL Comfort. He knows your grief and the journey ahead. Also believe that He loves you even when you are sad. This ministry is reaching out to you with Jesus' love. We are praying for your total healing and recovery.
If you are interested in receiving prayer, please write me at: jesusislord14@outlook.com. Please do not request money - request prayer.
God loves you. We are praying you will feel His love and comfort every time you reach out to read the messages.
Jesus THE SON OF GOD is Lord!
Shalom.
Sister Birdsong
No comments:
Post a Comment